NO NEW POSITIVES, THREE (3) MORE NEGATIVE COVID-19 RESULTS

The Caribbean Public Health Agency today (April 19th, 2020) reported another three (3) negative COVID-19 results for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. One (1) of these negative tests was for an isolated patientwho had previously tested positive, and is part of the medical clearance process to determine whether thepatient has recovered. This individual must now have another negative PCR test for COVID-19, in order toconfirm recovery.One other negative result, is the second such negative COVID-19 PCR for an ill patient in the Ministry ofHealth, Wellness and the Environment’s care and is part of an ongoing comprehensive investigativemanagement process. This patient has never tested positive for COVID-19. The third negative is for a newimport related suspected case.

There are no new COVID-19 positive cases and therefore the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains at 12. One person has recovered as confirmed by two negative COVID-19 PCR tests reported by CARPHA. The last COVID- 19 positive case for St. Vincent and the Grenadines was recorded ten days ago on Thursday April 9, 2020. The COVID-19 Task Force relies exclusively on the COVID-19 PCR test to diagnose active COVID-19 infection. Rapid immunoglobulin tests will only be used to determine possible past exposure and the presence of antibodies to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Task Force wish to advise the public that there is no case of any individual testing positive for COVID-19, by rapid test or PCR, who is associated with any supermarket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The COVID-19 Task Force in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, also wish to thank the public and all stakeholders as we continue to work together to slow the spread of COVID- 19 in St Vincent and the Grenadines by practising the highly effective public health measures of hand hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing of at least 3-6 ft in public spaces and strict adherence to quarantine and isolation instructions. The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to keep the public informed as together, we manage this public health challenge.